Taking the TRAIN from Miami to Alaska - FULL SERIES

This is the reason I started watching this channel. Trains in the USA. This series and all of Mike's train videos are simply the best.

[@evecottom9966]

Hopefully you've gone back and watched the earlier ones as well. ALWAYS great content from Mike and his team.

@@evecottom9966 I've watched every video Mike has made. The train videos are so relaxing and informative. Trains are a great way to see America.

[@cj4631]

Thanks Mike for squishing all these together into a set of series…perfect evening viewing materials.

[@river6448]

Yes thank you

[@ricktaylor14001]

1:49:30 - The smile and excitement on Will’s face is so genuine looking. He really looks like he’s extremely grateful and that is the BEST result you could hope for when treating your friend to a bucket list item!! 🤠👍🏼☮️

[@fanaticdavid]

As a European who has never been to the US (yet), I've had chills at various moments throughout this video. I could only dream of doing a trip like this, but wow...I think it needs to go on my bucketlist! Thank you for sharing this, Mike. And good on you for taking along your dad, your mom and your friends. What an experience!

[@DodlDecF]

❤❤❤ I have never been to Europe and Europe is on my bucket list to see. I think seeing as much of the world that a person can see is a special time no matter where you go.

[@3DaysIn]

The positivity and energy you bring to these trips is really what sets your channel apart. There are so many travel channels these days which focus on various forms of "poverty tourism" for views/engagement, so it's just really nice that you have continued to focus on showcasing people's joy and wonderment in a world where there is too little of it in our media. As always, well done!

[@jacobtorbert2241]

Filing this under “content I can bond with my papa over”. 25 years ago when I was a kid I was obsessed with trains, tractors and trucks. We went to a few museums and he even took me to Cherokee NC to ride the steam engine and it was such a thrill. He’s 87 now and I helped him get his lawn mower started while I was home for Christmas. It made me laugh, doesn’t matter how old you are, when hear an engine you’ve been working on turnover, you can’t help but smile and laugh.

[@polaarj]

1:04:27 filming the horses and speaking about breakfast hahaha😂, i didn't expect the rocky mountaineer's crew to be this happy and welcoming

[@GabrielSGS]

Best way to spend 3 hours on a sunday night , thank you Mike. I will rip a page out of your book and maybe go visit my country, Romania, from a train and not by car.

[@itsnotme07]

Thanks for making these full series videos! I know they help you fill some time while you enjoy the holidays, but still, they are really great!! Well worth the time to watch them all over again, even if it does take me 2-4 days. Haha. Kudos to your parents for coming along! Some of my most favorite adult memories with my parents were on trips like these, usually regional by car, but a couple by train.

[@caseyflorida]

I've been on the Durango & Silverton train in Colorado and the Mt Washington Cog Railway in New Hampshire. The cog train went all the way up to the summit for me. It was 75 degrees at the bottom and 50 degrees at the top of Mt Washington!

[@Me2morrow]

I am not a daily tv viewer BUT I will binge watch youtube series and...short story long, I subscibed a while ago to process my anxiety of public train transport! From early teen years I've learned to process air, bus, and car because it was life required but never a train or floating kind-of-anything. Friends😒planned a train tour from LA to Seattle and after a few days enjoying the city, boarded a train from Seattle to Portland. It was not a bucket list by any stretch-but I penciled it. Age has hindered my processing 'skill' and also anxiety breathing techniques so I was quite anxious but managed to complete the 'hours' ride🫣😬😥. It was rough...just saying🙃! Now I vicariously enjoy travel by train with you and your friends and family through my subscription to your channel. Thank you🤗

[@rezaliaw4662]

Mike, your dad is lovely!! My dad and I had plans to travel by rail but sadly he passed before we could. I’m so happy you had the chance to spend uninterrupted time with your dad and your mom. Thanks for the compilation. I watched the series but am enjoying the uninterrupted series. Thanks, Mike and Happy New Year, may it be full of new adventures. Much love💕

[@21jimmyo]

Your warm and friendly attitude while traveling has inspired me to be the same way. I road-tripped from NY to Deadhorse AK last summer and BC, YK, and AK are all amazing places to see. Keep up the good work my friend who I've never met.

[@connieosburn6886]

Love the fact you took your friends, than Dad ,than your mother that's amazing ❤

[@JustinKapow]

Just what I needed to start my 2025 right here!

[@lynzyrisingsun]

Yea I cried the first time I seen the grand canyon too. Video and pictures don’t do it justice. It’s simply breathtaking. ❤

[@MrStoppingallstation]

You said it perfectly when you said it’s not just about the trains,it’s all the other experiences along the way!

[@redrubyslippers8284]

Been on the Strasburg train so many times. I love it!! Lancaster is my favorite place in the whole world❤❤❤❤ Sorry u stayed at the caboose motel thou..bad place to stay Stay in bird in hand next time. so much better...amish ppl r the best😊😊😊😊

[@burritoshake]

One of my favorite series of your channel

[@barbarawhitecotton9548]

Actually my favorite!!! Love that you included your parents. I’m 85 so happy for your parents to be a part of your series!!!

[@alexandramorkin400]

Thanks for packing each leg of the journey together! Love the laughter with your family members…especially your Mom🥰

[@DodlDecF]

Normal IL has the twin sister Bloomington, so we always call the town Bloomington Normal. But they are two separate towns. I have taken the train out of Normal lots of times to Chicago and to St. Louis. The entire video is great and having your mom and dad and friends makes the time even better. Will is always a joy to see. He has the biggest smile.

[@a-5699]

Mike, the quality of your work gets better and better each year. Keep it up. 2025 will bring great things for your channel and you. I’m really proud of you!!! Thanks- Pete

[@DownieLive]

Thank you, Pete! I appreciate it.

[@clyd3fr0g]

That trip on Brightline looked just like the NS trains I rode in the Netherlands this year. Spacious, clean, thoughtful, big bathrooms, a couple dozen trains each day. If that's the future of rail in the US, I'm here for it.

[@Harry_Gersack]

NS trains sound like something from 1940 Germany

[@Nighthawk2211]

Wholesome! You have great parents, Downie.

[@nicktechnubyte1184]

Very nice start to the new year 🎊🎉

[@lindawheeler3242]

I always enjoy the adventures with Will...he exudes such joy in life

[@Julia78309]

I love watching your series! Enthralled 😮.. The cards look amazing!!❤

[@scottlyttle5586]

Brightline has a mix of owned and leased track. The tracks from Miami to Cocoa are FEC owned. From Cocoa to Orlando, it's newly built Brightline owned tracks that will go over 100 mph, as the track has no level road crossings.

[@chrisanmckeown]

Used to take my kids to the Strasburg! Kitchen Kettle Village is cool and Bird In Hand! You can’t help but chuckle when you go thru the town of Intercourse! 😂 Enjoyed your trip!

[@sheilaathay2034]

Thanks again , Mike , for the most Epic Adventure! This has been just Grand. Happy New Year!🎉❤

[@oldskooldoritos]

the dance break with Dad was iconic 😂 and wow the surprise cameo on the Mountaineer! also realised I've been watching heaps of your videos the past couple years but wasnt subbed. corrected that for 2025 👍🏽

[@DownieLive]

Yes! Glad to have you onboard!

[@motor2of7]

Your Dad is a hoot. Heck, I’d travel with him!

[@AdventureswithPatrick]

I rode a jet ski from Seattle to Juneau in 2018 (videos on my channel). Now that I’m older and have bad knees your trip has inspired me to take Amtrak from Washington, DC to Bellingham, WA then the ferry to Whittier and the train to Denali, then fly home.

[@julieinak]

This was so much fun! Loved it. I have been to many of the places you visited...and I have taken the train to Fairbanks, Gold Star service. So enjoyable to see your film! Been watching you for a few years. You rock!

[@douglasreeves9938]

Your comment about the sink on the first Amtrak train made me smile. Those sinks were on all three of the submarines that I served on in the US Navy. Keep the vids coming.

[@Chaoticguardian]

thank you " Josh Gates Jr " !..your vibe could so pass as his protege!! No but on the serious side thank you i literally thought i was watching a real tv show on discovery channel so thank you and thank you to your editors for giving me a real tv vibe for 3hrs... yes for 3hrs i watched and didn't even realize it was that long intel you got to the Alaska arc which was kind of short but giving what there is to do there i can also understand

[@christineprice5463]

Thanks so much! I loved the ride along. ❤

[@802_11ax]

Absolutely incredible series. I think you would love to ride the last running commercial Budd Car train service in the world. The trains built around the 1950s are ran by VIA Rail between Sudbury and White River. I have used this train over 10 times to travel to a close friend's cottage. Some of the regular passengers on this train have interesting stories as some cottages are only accessible by this train.

[@TheSlowpC]

Enjoying the full series videos. Great way to rewatch these a bit easier.

[@rootedwarriorchannel5330]

This was so incredible. It felt like I was with you in person. Looking forward to experiencing it in real live one day with my family.

[@lindawalker5675]

I love Will's reaction to seeing the Grand Canyon. I think mine was the same the first time.

[@brianpreston3509]

Thank you for taking this Railfan to some extraordinary locations Mike! It's always fun to see you experiencing new things in fantastic locations around the globe. Fair seas and clear skies to you in 2025!

[@shadowphillips9079]

Lol mike I love your videos and the fact that you pronounce the towns in Alaska right puts you head and shoulders above everybody else I do so adore you.

[@AhmadZakiVision]

32:00 - If you go to Penang (state in Malaysia 🇲🇾), you can take the train at Bukit Bendera which has a slope almost similar to this area.

[@tk_wanderlust]

It's totally on my bucket list to take trains around America...and canada...and really anywhere lol. I'm a photographer so hours/days of just sitting with big open windows is pretty much my ideal vacation 😅

[@kevinkeim5944]

Hey Mike, side to side is called rolling, front to back is called pitching. The weather and waves you showed wasn’t nothing compared to what I’ve seen in my 20 years in the US Navy. I’ve had to do extra watches (work) because the other crew members were too seasick to stand watch.fortunately or unfortunately I never got seasick!

[@SnowflakeHenri1]

I look forward to the next adventure with you, Michael❤.

[@anitahoward4314]

Love your dad. He’s sweet.😊

[@ParkerHolman-f6w]

Jealous… I have been one the pikes peak cog railway and the Durango and Silverton, however our train was very old and tired and according to the engineer “grumpy” so we only made it half way. It was still and amazing experience that may have changed my view of Colorado.

[@KirThalosRavencrest]

I took Amtrak from Grand Forks, ND to Sacramento, CA and it was such a miserable experience, unfortunately. The scenery was gorgeous, and the staff was friendly, but because I didn't get a roomette, or private room, I was not allowed to buy food. 34 hours keepin full on just water was... an experience.

[@bobbysmith4370]

The Joliet Union Station is beautiful. I live in Joliet Illinois. Thank you for sharing. 🧡🧡🧡

[@anthonykoeslag]

I love this video, nearly three hours of delightful travel experiances. Thanks for making this.

[@SEA-U2]

Loved this vid so much I am still Smiling 😊❤

[@JamMyBacon]

As someone whose favorite trip ever taken ( I’m a midwesterner ) was to San Antonio, I’m glad you guys got to experience it! The river walk is great, and chances are you had some of the best Mexican food in the country. If you ever go back, make it an absolute necessity to find yourself a gas station that serves breakfast! Down there, any hole in the wall usually looking BP or Cenex gas stations ALL HAVE BOMB Hispanic breakfast bistros. I’m talking like people lined up 10-20 deep in these places to get their delicious breakfast burritos. They were good enough to keep me thinking about them 😂

[@DownieLive]

I'll keep that in mind if I ever find myself back down there.

[@TerryHouben]

That was the best I have seen,with time with dad añd Mon and friends . The time editing the vewes were fantastic.thanks for it all from use ho can't do this thank you

[@Manawatu_Al2844]

The steam train was a bit different, when Downie was on the Zigzag railway in Australia. But gotta love trains!!

[@keithdonaldson3945]

This was a good production. Your "game" is getting better. I teared up on your surprise on ma. I saw your drive to summit before, but the blended edit was fantastic.

[@tubesockromance]

Not gonna lie, even though I've seen all this before; the entire part where you took your mother on that trip always makes me tear up. Great job

[@DownieLive]

Glad you enjoyed it again!

[@kcltube3]

Thanks so much for this! So fun, I love train travel

[@martijndillen5167]

And again.. Beautiful video, with great people. Mike youre doin well on youtube! Love the long video's. Having a good meal, with youre video's means heaving a great time! even if im sitting on my chair watching you, i can feel the joy of every ride. Hopefully youre hitting the million subs very fast :D

[@MATT13TEN]

Anchorage to Fairbanks is a great ride. The food was amazing, especially the reindeer sausage.

[@DownieLive]

That’s great to hear! I’m glad you enjoyed the ride!

[@suzanm3107]

Mike, this is an awesome video! Great Job!

[@princess_of_pugs4130]

Love this series! Thanks for the Will eye candy! He's such a cutie!

[@nomadicgenealogist]

Loved the series today and enjoyed they before. Travel by train 😊❤ ❤❤❤

[@KirksAudioSanctum]

What is more amazing is that you did it in 2 hours 43 minutes and 56 seconds...

[@la_profe_negra]

Normal, Illinois is part of a twin city of Bloomington-Normal. It's a college town that holds Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University, and also home of State Farm insurance hdqt. I live there while attending university there.

[@leeparker3159]

What you did for Will, is a beautiful thing!

[@TonyLasagna]

first time i’ve seen you in my feed in forever - and what a banger! tons of great places and railroads. i’ve actually run engine 475 and engine 90 at strasburg. great little railroad. glad i landed on this one! hope you are well, sir. found my LIVE hat from back in the day recently while moving 😎

[@DownieLive]

Glad to have you back!

[@TonyLasagna]

@ not cool youtube. i’ll have to make it a point to find you. i watch each video to the end, so - dunno! thanks! glad to be here as always!

[@Jthomas-v4l]

Mike, I’ve watch a bunch of Amtrak travel videos where they are riding the Texas Eagle and I think yours was the first to say anything about Dealey Plaza.

[@walk4718]

Cool parts with your parents; your love and respect can’t be faked. Good show👍

[@ambertownsend2176]

I love Harvey’s observation over emotion lol makes the positive opinion so much more honest! Awesome video wow! Trains in 2025!!! Wish we had affordable options in western Canada like this!

[@charmainebusch9544]

This was an amazing video!! ❤️🥰❤️🇺🇸. I watched the entire vid. Frm: North Las Vegas, NV. USA

[@taylormaddox-cook9631]

This video as inspired me me to do the same trip from Miami to Alaska by train when I visit the USA

[@michaelmurphy4404]

Too cool I live in N.h and never gone on the cog railroad but I will be going soon so thank you for the introduction I've heard of it just never seen what it's about

[@railvlogger1439]

From road trains to real trains..Amazing.

[@mgrizz2386]

Love your adventures. I'd love it if you could ride the steam train from stettler, albera and document the full day adventure. Tip if you do: after leaving stettler, go to the open air cattle car, stand on the right hand side, for some suprise excitement (hide your jewelry lol)

[@howardsteffenson3617]

Hi. My name is Howie and I live n Kelowna BC. My girlfriend lives in Florida so I was in Key West a few y3ars ago and I have done lots of travelling in the lower 48 states. I loved your video and I'm beginning to think I need to take an Alaska cruise so thank you so much for making this video

[@Me2morrow]

Fyi, naps are not an acquired skill, it's God's gift to the aged😂. Your dad has earned every snooze! Someday you will be gifted likewise and your son/daughter will say the same on future train rides...wherever that may be🚂.

[@TheRedHeadedRailfan]

10:29 Ashland Train Day!

[@brianpreston3509]

Wow! Amazing episode!

[@deborahledane8747]

Hello and thank you Downie Absolutely love love this long video do more of these❤❤

[@Harry_Gersack]

So much wholesomeness (or positivity, idk) in this series. Im wondering though, how did you get to Washington? Was there no train commection you could take to the ferry? Also are we going to completely ignore the tents on the bow of the ferry? 😂

[@seanpenrod]

Great information and video! I enjoy all of your adventures!

[@ltabe2003]

Come back to central illinois, we’ll show you Normal and Springfield!

[@dianadances7880]

Aww this is so wholesome

[@szbarnaus]

Whoa! What a good start to the new year! I was laying back and enjoying the ride ... just to take a break between two meals to write this: Thank you Mike and Happy New Year! Now back to the video :D

[@Manawatu_Al2844]

Damn, there's a ton of information and ideas for when I can get to the USA, and check out travelling by rail. Cheers Mike.

[@DownieLive]

I’m glad to be able to help with your travel planning.

[@kinshukdubey3096]

Bro just made a whole movie on his travel journy 😅😼

[@jasperdiscovers]

I love the trend where youtubers decide to upload extremely long videos. Thanks my guy! happy 2025!

[@T3CHGY007]

I made it through the end! Super long, but was great to watch the whole series in one shot!

[@DownieLive]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

Awesome job Mike drop a like for you and happy new year.

[@YatesMorris]

We took strip in November from nc to Utah by car and we went through many cities that you went trough so it was neat to see places we’ve been we also went through Denver co on our way home I really enjoyed your video also.

[@SladeInColorado]

You missed the grand mesa lol. It’s literally huge and covered in trees, 10,000 ft tall. You were in DeBeque canyon, about 6,000ft

[@RVail623]

From Bremerton, Washington, there are more options for passenger train travel as far north as Prince Rupert, B.C. From there, there's ferry service further north to Whittier, Alaska, from where there's yet another passenger train service to Anchorage & then continuing north on another train to Fairbanks.

[@DownieLive]

This series is called Travels by Train: America, not America and Canada. If you want to see the VIA Rail train trip from Jasper to Prince Rupert, you can watch that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoK2q5qParl-etUsi=Yd9tbbKZksh3Ol6K

[@RVail623]

@@DownieLive Yes, I've already seen your Jasper to Prince Rupert video. But AFAIK, there hasn't been any YT video showing train travel from Vancouver direct (via connection at Prince George, B.C.) to Prince Rupert. Then optionally continuing via Ferry further north. And comparing travel costs via train vs. via ferry between those two cities.

[@DownieLive]

That’s a pretty specific niche video. Considering I’ve done the Vancouver to Jasper route 3 times, I figured I’d focus on new areas.

[@RVail623]

@@DownieLive Okay: is there a link for a Vancouver - Prince Rupert video, without going via Jasper? Have you done the Antonito, Colorado to Chama, New Mexico narrow gauge tourist train?

[@RVail623]

@@DownieLive Strictly speaking, the video title is actually: "Taking the TRAIN from Miami to Alaska". The Vancouver - Prince Rupert train segment would help maximize the "Train" portion while lessening the "Ferry" portion of a train travelogue from Miami to Alaska.

[@lynnmariec]

I I really enjoyed the parent excursions. It brought joy seeing you guys bond and catch up. 😊 super cool scenery too. 😅

[@RizZaTV]

I took the exact same trip in Strassburg two years ago - it´s amazing

[@HunterMccornack]

I live in Eastern Oregon on the train line our train line does not have passenger trains that go down it That's why you have the hob on a train in Portland

[@isabelfaye3052]

Train nerd lol 😂❤. I enjoyed this . Interesting the mountain view

[@geriko1]

52:23 photo bomb 😂

[@charlesmoman]

I lived in Bloomington/Normal Illinois in 6th grade in the 60's for six months. I always say I lived on the "Normal" side of town. : )